Global Patent Index - EP 0204562 A3

EP 0204562 A3 19890503 - TRANSPARENT PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE

Title (en)

TRANSPARENT PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE

Publication

EP 0204562 A3 19890503 (EN)

Application

EP 86304268 A 19860604

Priority

US 74108085 A 19850604

Abstract (en)

[origin: EP0204562A2] A thin film photovoltaic module has transparent electrodes on front and back surfaces of a semiconductive layer. In one embodiment, both transparent electrodes pass light to the semiconductive layer for photovoltaic purposes. In another embodiment, the back electrode passes light which enters through the front electrode and is not absorbed by the semiconductive layer, so that the module is selectively transparent to the unabsorbed light. The spectral makeup of the transmitted light is controlled by controlling the optical characteristics of the layers of the module. The index of refraction of the back electrode is a primary source of transmission control along with the refractive index of the front electrode and the thickness of the semiconductive layer itself. Light transmitted by the module can be used for nonphotovoltaic purposes, such as illuminating the interior of a vehicle or dwelling, or may be directed back into the semiconductive layer by a reflective surface behind the back electrode.

IPC 1-7

H01L 27/14; H01L 31/02

IPC 8 full level

H01L 31/042 (2006.01); H01L 27/142 (2006.01); H01L 31/0216 (2006.01); H01L 31/0224 (2006.01); H01L 31/04 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP US)

H01L 31/02167 (2013.01 - EP US); H01L 31/022466 (2013.01 - EP US); H01L 31/022475 (2013.01 - EP US); H01L 31/022483 (2013.01 - EP US); H01L 31/046 (2014.12 - EP US); H01L 31/0468 (2014.12 - EP US); Y02B 10/10 (2013.01 - EP US); Y02E 10/52 (2013.01 - EP US)

Citation (search report)

  • [X] EP 0112646 A2 19840704 - EXXON RESEARCH ENGINEERING CO [US]
  • [XD] US 4461922 A 19840724 - GAY CHARLES F [US], et al
  • [X] GB 2116775 A 19830928 - ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES INC
  • [A] US 4388482 A 19830614 - HAMAKAWA YOSHIHIRO [JP], et al
  • [AD] APPLIED OPTICS, vol. 15, no. 4, April 1976, pages 1012-1017; J.C.C FAN et al.: "Transparent heat mirrors for solar-energy applications"
  • [A] THIN SOLID FILMS, vol. 119, no. 1, September 1984, pages 31-54, Elsevier Sequoia, Lausanne, CH; S.R. DAS: "Status of amorphous thin film solar cells"
  • [A] PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, vol. 7, no. 204 (E-197)[1349], 9th September 1983; & JP-A-58 100 464 (YOSHIROU ODAKA) 15-06-1983

Designated contracting state (EPC)

DE FR GB IT NL

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 0204562 A2 19861210; EP 0204562 A3 19890503; EP 0204562 B1 19971105; DE 3650653 D1 19971211; DE 3650653 T2 19980409; JP H0642562 B2 19940601; JP S627170 A 19870114; US 4663495 A 19870505

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 86304268 A 19860604; DE 3650653 T 19860604; JP 11942386 A 19860526; US 74108085 A 19850604